The Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, has been removed from the Patriarchate.

Clergy members were present at the Patriarchate to receive His Holiness, and a large number of faithful had also gathered at the site.

At this moment, a foot procession is moving from the Patriarchate to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, where the Patriarch’s body will lie in state and a public viewing will be held.

The procession is led by altar servers carrying crosses and flags. Also present are clergy of various ranks, nuns, and individuals in traditional Georgian attire.

The mourning procession is accompanied by chants.

For reference, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, passed away at the age of 93. A period of national mourning has been declared in Georgia following his death.

The Patriarch will be buried on March 22 at the Sioni Cathedral.